10 Days /
9 Nights
10 Days Best of Uganda Safari
Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Entebbe
Overview
This is the ultimate Ugandan safari – 10 days covering every major highlight from rhinos to gorillas. Join Enshama Safaris on this comprehensive journey to track the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), trek chimpanzees, encounter mountain gorillas, and explore Uganda’s most spectacular national parks. Designed for first-time visitors wanting a complete African safari without compromise.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and Transfer to Lodge.
Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be welcomed by an Enshama Safaris professional English-speaking guide/driver holding a placard with your name. Meet and greet before being transferred to your comfortable lodge in Entebbe or Kampala for rest and rejuvenation from the jet lag. You will be served meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast) depending on your arrival time. Relax and prepare for the start of your journey the following day.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey northwest through the countryside, watching the landscapes gradually change as you leave the city behind. Along the way, make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on foot rhino tracking experience where you walk through the bush with an experienced ranger and observe southern white rhinos at close range, marking your first encounter with the Big Five in Uganda. After the trek, continue the drive with a relaxed lunch stop along the route, giving you time to rest before heading deeper into the wild. Proceed towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic conservation area known for its wide savannahs and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, head to the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile forces its way through a narrow rocky gorge before crashing down with incredible power, creating one of the most impressive natural scenes in East Africa. From here, continue to your lodge set along the river with peaceful surroundings, check in, settle into your room, and unwind as you take in the views of the Nile while preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 3: Full Day Murchison Falls – Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
Wake before dawn and set out for a full morning game drive across the Buligi Peninsula, one of the most rewarding wildlife areas in Murchison Falls National Park. As the sun rises over the savannah, search for lions on the hunt, elusive leopards resting in the trees, large herds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as giraffes and hartebeests moving through the open plains. Return to the lodge for a well deserved lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, head out for a three hour boat safari along the Nile towards the base of the falls, where you will encounter large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking along the banks, and elephants coming down to drink, all set against the powerful backdrop of the falls ahead. For those with extra energy, take the guided hike from the base up to the top of the falls, offering stunning views and a closer connection to this natural wonder. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
After breakfast, depart and drive south through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, taking in rolling hills, lush greenery, and changing landscapes as you travel. Along the way, pass through tea plantations and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into local life and the beauty of rural Uganda. Stop for a well prepared lunch enroute in Hoima or Fort Portal, allowing time to relax before continuing the journey. Arrive in Kibale Forest, a rich tropical rainforest known for its incredible biodiversity and home to thirteen species of primates. Check into your lodge located adjacent to the forest, settle in, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, head out for a guided forest walk where you may spot smaller primates, birds, and other forest wildlife as the day winds down. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking, guided by experienced rangers who lead you through the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and communicate, offering a close and fascinating insight into their behavior in the wild. After the trek, return and begin your transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, traveling through scenic landscapes that gradually open into savannah plains. Arrive in the crater lake region in the evening and head out for a game drive through this unique area dotted with volcanic crater lakes, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife as the day comes to an end. Continue to your lodge, check in, and settle in for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Set out at sunrise for a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you search for lions returning from the hunt, hyenas on the move, and large herds of Uganda kob scattered across the open grasslands. The early morning light brings the savannah to life, offering excellent chances to spot a variety of animals before the day warms up. Return to the lodge for breakfast and some time to relax. In the afternoon, head out for a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, known for having one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, where you will see large pods in the water, elephants and buffaloes gathering along the shores to drink, and crocodiles resting on the sandbanks. Cruise slowly along the channel taking in the rich birdlife and constant wildlife activity before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha
After breakfast, depart and drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a remote area known for its unique tree climbing lions often seen resting on the branches of large fig trees. Spend the morning exploring this region as you search for this rare and fascinating behavior, while also spotting other wildlife that inhabits the area. Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch under the shade of a tree, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the wilderness. Continue your journey through the rolling hills of the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, with its terraced landscapes and cool fresh air. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the afternoon, a dense rainforest that is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge overlooking the forest, settle in, and take in the peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for the next day’s unforgettable experience.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Day – The Crown Jewel
This day is the highlight of your ten day journey and one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in Africa. Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before your guide transfers you to the visitor centre, where professional Uganda Wildlife Authority staff will brief you on the guidelines to follow while in the forest and what to expect during the trek. After the briefing, head into the dense jungle, moving through thick vegetation and rugged terrain as you track a habituated gorilla family. Once you find them, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior up close as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural environment. After the trek, return to the starting point where you will receive your certificate as a memorable keepsake of the experience. Head back to your lodge to relax and recover from the trek. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience and insight into their traditional forest life, or simply rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Day
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and transfer for two to three hours through the scenic highlands to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest lakes in Africa and famous for its twenty nine islands spread across calm, winding waters. Arrive and check into your lakeside lodge, where you can relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. Spend the afternoon enjoying activities on the lake, with options including canoeing across the still waters, swimming in safe conditions free from hippos and bilharzia, or taking a guided boat tour to explore some of the islands such as Punishment Island and the Akampene cultural site. As the day winds down, head out for a sunset boat cruise, where you can take in the breathtaking views of terraced hills reflected on the water. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight by the lake.
Day 10: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey back through the countryside, taking in the final views of Uganda’s rolling hills and rural landscapes. Continue with a comfortable drive towards Mbarara, where you will stop for a well prepared lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to relax before completing the journey. After lunch, proceed towards Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the evening where you will check into your lodge for a restful overnight stay. For those departing on this day, your professional guide will transfer you directly to Entebbe International Airport in time for your return flight, bringing your safari to a smooth and memorable close.
What's Included
- Rhino trekking permit. (worth USD 60).
- Chimpanzee trekking permit. (worth USD 250).
- Gorilla trekking permit (worth USD 800).
- All park entrance fees.
- Kazinga Channel boat safari.
- 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- 9 night’s accommodation.
- Bottled water & WiFi in vehicle.
- All meals as per itinerary.
What's Not Included
- International flights.
- Uganda Visa (USD 50).
- Activities not mentioned.
- Personal expenses, tips, laundry.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Final day accommodation.
Helpful Tips
- Book all required permits early, including rhino tracking, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking, ideally six to twelve months in advance, and ensure you have travel insurance that covers trekking activities.
- Pack smart for changing environments by bringing light clothing for hot areas, warm layers for cold mornings, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots suitable for forest trekking.
- Carry essential items for daily activities including a small backpack, drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and optionally gloves for gorilla trekking.
- Take care of your health by preparing any recommended vaccinations, using malaria prevention, and carrying personal medication along with a basic first aid kit.
- Have some cash for tips and small purchases, follow all wildlife guidelines strictly, keep your documents accessible, and stay flexible as safari experiences depend on nature and timing.
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